Got red skin? Here's how to fix it

Red, reactive skin is a common problem that causes many women (and men) angst. The good news - this is a condition that's relatively easy to resolve.

If you're one of the thousands of folk who tackle this type of skin daily, you'll be relieved to discover there's a simple set of skincare rules that will ease your red-skin woes and possibly even cure them altogether.

Paula Begoun, skincare expert and founder of the beauty brandPaula's Choice, says even the most inflamed skin can be brought under control. But, and this is a big but, you will need to commit to the following 'calm skin' rules, she says. Skip them and your reactive skin troubles will likely return and sadly, in a flash.

Red, reactive skin before and after. A huge difference.

Getty

So here goes. The rules mainly revolve around things to STOP doing and ASAP.

It's time to go: astringents, toners, clarifying lotions, or any skincare product that contains alcohol (listed as SD alcohol or alcohol denatured) or witch hazel.

No more: products that contain fragrant plant oils or extracts, such as lavender, grapefruit, peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus and rose.

Into the bin with: products that contain synthetic fragrances; these may simply be listed as parfum or fragrance on the ingredient list.

And sayonara to: products that contain any essential oil; essential oils are, essentially, just more fragrance! They contain volatile compounds research has shown aggravate skin.

The right skincare can make the world of difference when it comes to redness.

Getty

The risky products are gone. Now, it's time to look at what to use instead. For the best results Paula recommends using the following: A gentle, non-drying, easy-to-rinse, skin-softening, water-soluble cleanser.

A toner that delivers skin-replenishing ingredients, such as antioxidant-rich plant extracts, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, and calming agents to renew your skin.